Chemical peels are cosmetic procedures that use various chemical solutions to exfoliate or peel away the outer layer of the skin. They are commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, skin discoloration, dull complexion, age spots, or sun damaged skin. Typically, chemical peels are performed on the face, but can also be used on the neck, chest, or hands. Chemical peels can vary in depth from superficial to medium to deep. In general, the deeper the peel, the more significant and noticeable the results. However, the trade off is that deeper peels also require more recovery time and more post procedure care.

Dermaplaning is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure where a small blade removes the outermost layer of skin and fine hairs on the face. As such, the procedure provides both exfoliation and hair removal yielding a brighter complexion and softer, smoother skin.

Fillers (examples: Belotero, Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Sculptra, Voluma) are injectable treatments that help diminish the signs of aging. Fillers are composed of soft, gel-like substances that can either be synthetic or naturally occurring in nature. They can be temporary (absorbable) or permanent (non-absorbable). Fillers are commonly used to plump up lips, restore volume and fullness to the face, smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fill in depressed scars, or to rejuvenate hands.

Intense pulsed light therapy is a non-invasive, non-laser therapy that uses high intensity pulses of visible light to achieve skin rejuvenation. IPL delivers light energy which is converted into heat energy, resulting in damage to targeted cells in the skin. The damage also stimulates new collagen production. It is commonly used to treat and eliminate unwanted red spots (rosy cheeks, broken blood vessels on the face and legs), unwanted brown spots (age spots, freckles), fine lines and wrinkles, and unwanted hair.

Laser hair removal is a procedure used to remove unwanted facial and body hair. Lasers deliver concentrated beams of light which are absorbed by the pigment in hair follicles. The light energy is converted into heat, which ultimately damages the hair follicles, leading to decreased or absence of hair regrowth. Typically, multiple laser treatments are necessary to achieve desired results. Commonly treated areas include the face, underarms, bikini area, back, and legs.

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive procedure where micro-crystals are used to gently exfoliate and remove the outermost layer of skin. As the procedure treats only the top layer of the skin, it is relatively painless and requires minimal recovery time. It is commonly used to treat dull complexion, discoloration, sun damaged skin, and fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermabrasion is the more aggressive counterpart of microdermabrasion. In dermabrasion, a wire brush or diamond wheel with rough edges is used to remove or “sand” away the upper layers of the skin. This skin resurfacing technique results in the growth of new layers of the skin which appear more youthful and vibrant. It is commonly used to treat scars, discoloration, sun damaged skin, and fine lines and wrinkles. As the procedure is more invasive, the results can be more significant than that achieved with microdermabrasion. However, the trade off is that the more invasive procedure generally requires anesthesia and a period of recovery post procedure.

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure used for skin rejuvenation. During treatment, a pen-like device studded with tiny needles are used to make precise, microscopic punctures in the skin. The tiny wounds do not leave scars but instead trigger the skin’s repair mechanism, stimulating collagen production. Microneedling is commonly used to treat scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as stretch marks. Microneedling can also be used to help topical treatments penetrate the skin more effectively.

Neuromodulators (Botox, Daxxify, Dysport, Jeaveau, Myobloc, Xeomin) are nonsurgical, cosmetic injectables that are used to temporarily lessen or eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Commonly treated areas include frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. These cosmetic injections work by blocking signals sent between nerves and muscles leading to paralysis of the muscle and smoothening of the overlying skin. The end result is diminished wrinkles. The results are temporary, typically lasting about 3 months. In addition to treating fine lines and wrinkles, botulinum toxin injections have also been used to treat medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).